]]>For eight years running, iPhone users each year anxiously await the arrival of Apple’s newest device. Excitement for the latest features and design virtually brings the tech world to a standstill.

And this year will be no different. The new iPhone is coming.

We won’t know exactly when the iPhone arrives in stores until Tim Cook takes the stage at Apple’s iPhone event, presumably in September. But there’s no harm in preemptive guessing, right?

Now is your chance to get your hands on a new iPhone 6s.

So, when do you think the iPhone 6s will hit store shelves? Tell us exactly when and you’ll be entered to win your very own. Yes, that’s right, a brand new iPhone 6s fresh off the shelf.

Head over to Gazelle’s Facebook page (facebook.com/Gazelle.com) to enter our Guess The Date Sweepstakes. And don’t forget to share with your friends. You’ll receive an additional entry for each friend that enters with your custom link.

]]>https://www.gazelle.com/thehorn/2015/07/23/new-iphone-coming-guess-release-date-win-iphone-6s/feed/05 Best Tablets for Kids in 2015https://www.gazelle.com/thehorn/2015/07/07/best-tablets-kids-2015/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=best-tablets-kids-2015
https://www.gazelle.com/thehorn/2015/07/07/best-tablets-kids-2015/#commentsTue, 07 Jul 2015 18:23:53 +0000https://www.gazelle.com/thehorn/?p=5977Tablets are becoming increasingly popular for kids, both for educational and entertainment purposes. But choosing the best tablet for kids can be overwhelming. We've identified some great options to make the process less daunting.

]]>Tablets are becoming increasingly popular for kids, both for educational and entertainment purposes. But choosing the best tablet for kids can be overwhelming. We’ve identified some great options, ranging from $110 – $249, to make the process less daunting.

Here’s our top pics in order of price:

VTech Innotab Max ($110)

Educational toymaker VTech is a solid choice for kids’s tablets with the Innotab Max as a standout product. It features a 7-inch screen and a number of educational apps pre-loaded. It includes a front-facing camera and a kid-friendly Web browser. Children and parents can also browse the VTech Learning Lodge, which includes access to hundreds of kid-safe Android apps available for download. The Innotab Max includes a messaging app that allows approved contacts to receive and respond to messages and images sent from the tablet. GizMag named the Innotab Max one of the best tech toys of 2014, and it is the best tablets for kids that we could find for less than $120.

LeapPad Ultra XDi Learning Tablet ($129)

Last year brought a refresh to this toy line with the LeapPad Ultra XDi. This new model has a 7-inch, 1024 by 600 pixel screen, Wi-Fi, 8 GB of on-board memory, front- and rear-facing cameras, and a rechargeable lithium-ion battery. This tablet also includes a kid-safe Web browser and access to the LeapPad educator-approved downloadable app library. In addition to these apps, the LeapPad Ultra XDi allows kids who have owned previous tablets in this series to use their compatible LeapPad Ultra cartridges for educational gameplay with no downloads required. It’s available in green and pink.

Amazon Fire HD 6 Kids Edition ($149)

The Amazon Fire HD 6 Kids Edition builds on the Kindle Fire HD in several ways. The 6-inch screen makes it easier for small hands, and its kid-proof bumper protects it from thumps and drops. Best of all, Amazon includes a two-year worry-free guarantee, so if it breaks Amazon will replace it for free. The tablet’s $149 price tag also includes a year of Amazon FreeTime Unlimited, a subscription service that includes access to over 5,000 kid-friendly books, movies, TV shows, educational apps, and more, making it an even better value.

Samsung Galaxy Tab 3 7.0 ($199)

The Cadillac of Android has a kid-friendly version in the Galaxy Tab 3. It’s a few years old now but it still ranks as one of the best options for kids. The canary yellow tablet comes with an even brighter orange bumper case to keep the tablet safe from dents and dings. It features a playful design and kid-oriented interface with engaging animated characters. The Wifi-enabled device also features Samsung’s Kids’ Store, filled with the best apps for learning and playing. It has a front- and rear-facing camera and an ample 7″ sharp resolution display. Parental controls include time limits on usage and control over what they view. Grown-ups can switch it to normal mode after bedtime. Ages 4 and up. $199 at Toys R Us

iPad Mini ($169)Though most of the tablets on this list are designed specifically for kids, the iPad Mini is a tablet designed for adults, but with plenty of functionality for kids. A favorite since introduction, it’s worth consideration for kids since the price dropped last year ($299 new from Apple or $169 certified pre-owned from Gazelle), making it an even better value for parents who want to access the App Store’s wide range of educational apps. Though this tablet probably has more functionality than young children need initially, the iPad Mini is a powerful tablet will grow with your kids. With the introduction of the Family Share feature, siblings won’t have to fight over who gets to download what app. Though it’s the most expensive device on this list, the iPad Mini offers a great option for young kids that will take them from toddler-hood to their teenage years, as long as you invest in a good case.

I hope this guide to best tablets for kids was helpful. Which tablet is right for your kid?

]]>Though the Apple Watch launched in April, stock of this hot new gadget has been limited thus far. According to TechRadar, Apple has only recently started to catch up with demand. Though inventory levels of this device got off to a bit of a rough start, Apple stores are going to be stocking it soon.

Purchasing an Apple Watch is a little more complicated than buying an iPhone or an iPad because there are many customization options to consider. How do you know which model is for you? Here are three things to consider:

1. Case Size

Apple Watches come in two distinct case sizes: 38 mm and 42 mm. Though a slightly larger screen might appeal to some users, you should pick your device’s size based upon comfort. If you have small wrists or typically wear compact watches, you’ll definitely want to go with the 38 mm size. If you have bigger wrists or prefer a chunkier look, the larger option is likely best. Though the difference between these two case sizes isn’t obvious at first, they do feel different on the wrist. Therefore, this a decision more easily made in-store. Even if you are ordering your watch online, you may want to visit an Apple store to see how each size feels.

2. Edition

There are three different editions of this device, and though all options are exactly the same on the inside, each is made of slightly different materials and sports its own look. The standard Apple Watch is made of stainless steel, features a shiny chrome or space-black finish and costs between $549 and $1,099 depending on additional options.

The Apple Watch Sport is more moderately priced, between $349 and $399. It features an anodized aluminum case in a silver or space-gray finish and comes with a sport band.

Alternatively, the most luxurious option is the high-end Apple Watch Edition, which is being produced in limited quantities. It features an 18-karat gold casing with a yellow or rose finish and comes with a specialty charging cradle. Prices for this option range from $10,000 to $17,000.

3. Bands

If you choose to go with the Sport edition, your device will automatically ship with the sport band. However, if you are getting another device or you just want a different band, there are 38 styles to choose from that can be purchased directly from Apple. Whether you want the clean and classic leather band or the unique Milanese loop, there’s a band for almost every taste. Though you initially select a band when purchasing your device, there are several third-party band options if you decide you want something different later.

Without accounting for additional options, there are nearly 40 separate versions of the Apple Watch, which may feel a little overwhelming for some. However, by knowing about the different size, edition and band options, you can make an informed decision about which model is right for you and your wallet.

]]>https://www.gazelle.com/thehorn/2015/06/15/apple-watch-right-3-key-factors-consider/feed/0Five Coolest Features in Apple’s iOS 9https://www.gazelle.com/thehorn/2015/06/11/five-coolest-features-apples-ios-9/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=five-coolest-features-apples-ios-9
https://www.gazelle.com/thehorn/2015/06/11/five-coolest-features-apples-ios-9/#commentsThu, 11 Jun 2015 14:54:02 +0000https://www.gazelle.com/thehorn/?p=5911Apple unveiled new features at WWDC15. Check out our top five coolest (and most practical) features for iOS 9.

]]>At this week’s Apple Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC), the company unveiled its latest operating system for iPhones and iPads, iOS 9. Apple packs numerous features into its software update to make the experience ever more seamless. While the update isn’t expected until later this year, we already can’t stop talking about them.

Check out our top five coolest (and most practical) features for Apple’s iOS 9:

1. Proactive Assistance

World, meet your improved sidekick, Siri. Smarter than ever before, the personal assistant in your pocket is now compatible with what Apple is calling “proactive assistance.” According to Mac World, “Siri can now take into account your location, the time of day, recurring activity, usage patterns, the app you are viewing or other connected devices to better anticipate your next move and surface relevant actions and information.”

Siri’s update is more attuned with native apps, alerting you with traffic updates and if you’re running late, telling you when to leave for an appointment.

2. Apple Music

Did Apple just release its Spotify killer? Perhaps not quite, but it did announce what is expected to be a neat music listening app. Set to debut on June 30, Apple Music, a subscription radio and streaming service, connects you 24/7 with DJs around the globe, curates music and content based on “For You” preferences and is backed by the iTunes library.

Critics are skeptical, with a Mashable reporter calling it “a major mess.” Don’t expect The Beatles library to stream either, but initial reports say that Taylor Swift’s tunes will be available.

Cost: $9.99 per month.

3. Battery Life

Finally, a solution (sort of) to the ever-dying iPhone. According to Apple, iOS 9 provides one bonus hour of regular use. And better yet – there’s a new “low-power” option when you’re not using your iPhone to give you an extra three hours of life.

4. News

The completely original News app is changing the way readers digest the day’s top stories, bringing content directly to your device in the form of a digital magazine. Apple has partnered with more than 50 publishers, including The New York Times, Condé Nast and ESPN, to deliver content selected for you based on likes and interests – all in one place.

5. Split Screen Multitasking

Let the multitasking begin. A new feature available on iPads lets you open two apps simultaneously, allowing more functionality in a split-screen view. Simple, yet ever so efficient. Ready to watch videos while sending emails? Easy.

Have you tuned in to WWDC15? Share the features you’re most looking forward to using.

]]>https://www.gazelle.com/thehorn/2015/06/11/five-coolest-features-apples-ios-9/feed/0How to Maximize Phone Battery on the iPhonehttps://www.gazelle.com/thehorn/2015/04/14/how-to-maximize-phone-battery-on-the-iphone/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=how-to-maximize-phone-battery-on-the-iphone
https://www.gazelle.com/thehorn/2015/04/14/how-to-maximize-phone-battery-on-the-iphone/#commentsTue, 14 Apr 2015 13:00:46 +0000https://www.gazelle.com/thehorn/2015/04/14/how-to-maximize-phone-battery-on-the-iphone/If you want to maximize phone battery, you'll need to think about how you use your phone on a daily basis. A few simple changes can keep you going all day.

]]>Everyone wants to maximize phone battery, but to get there, you’ll have to consider two seemingly redundant factors: battery life and battery lifespan. According to Apple, “battery lifespan” represents the length of time your battery lasts before it needs replacement, while “battery life” is the amount of time your device can operate before it must be recharged.

Updating your iPhone to the most recent version of iOS will ensure that your battery is being used most efficiently by hardware and software. Here are some other tips that will improve both battery life and lifespan so your iPhone will last for years to come.

Avoid Extreme Temperatures

An iPhone’s battery is designed to perform ideally between 62°–72° F (16°–22° C). You can maximize phone battery by keeping your phone within the ideal temperature range and avoiding extreme temperatures.

In fact, exposing a battery to a temperature over 95° F (35° C) or charging an iPhone in high temperatures can cause permanent damage. On the colder end of the spectrum, battery performance is only temporarily hampered and should return to normal when the phone warms up.

Adjust Screen Brightness

When your phone has to emit more light, it will draw more power from the battery. Dimming your screen’s brightness or setting your phone to automatically adjust its brightness based on your surroundings will allow you to extend your phone’s battery life.

To set your dimness, simply swipe up from the bottom of your iPhone screen to open the Control Center and then drag the brightness slider down accordingly.

To turn on Auto-Brightness, open your phone Settings, select “Display and Brightness” and turn on the “Auto-Brightness” option.

Use Wi-Fi

When accessing data on your iPhone, Wi-Fi always consumes less battery power than your cell phone’s data network. Additionally, Wi-Fi connections are often faster and more reliable than a typical 4G network, although this can vary depending on how many users are sharing the connection.

Swipe up on your screen to open up the Control Center, then tap on Wi-Fi, and select your desired Wi-Fi network.

Open up Settings, select Wi-Fi and connect to your preferred Wi-Fi network.

Kill Idle Apps

Running multiple apps simultaneously is one of the biggest consumers of battery life. There are a couple of ways to go about closing down active and inactive apps.

Double-tap the home button on your phone. This should bring up a carousel that shows all currently running app processes. Swipe up to close any app you don’t need running in the background.

Restart your phone. This will close all unnecessary apps and ensure that you’re getting the best battery life possible.

Visit a Certified Repair Shop

In the event that your battery is simply no longer holding a charge, you can visit or send your phone out to a certified phone repair shop. Here, the technician will diagnose any issues with your phone. It is not recommended that you attempt to replace your own battery, as this is a labor-intensive and precise maneuver. If you follow the above measures to increase your battery life and lifespan, though, it’s unlikely that you will have to resort to this measure any time soon.

Extending your phone’s battery life and lifespan isn’t difficult. These days, we all depend upon our phones for essential daily needs like communication and navigation. With these tricks in tow, you should be able to carry your phone on you all day long without worrying about hitting those dreaded single-digit battery percentages.

]]>https://www.gazelle.com/thehorn/2015/04/14/how-to-maximize-phone-battery-on-the-iphone/feed/0Happy 5th Birthday, iPad. Five Years Old, Five Reasons to Celebratehttps://www.gazelle.com/thehorn/2015/04/01/happy-birthday-ipad-five-years-old-five-reasons-to-celebrate/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=happy-birthday-ipad-five-years-old-five-reasons-to-celebrate
https://www.gazelle.com/thehorn/2015/04/01/happy-birthday-ipad-five-years-old-five-reasons-to-celebrate/#commentsWed, 01 Apr 2015 20:31:00 +0000https://www.gazelle.com/thehorn/2015/04/01/happy-birthday-ipad-five-years-old-five-reasons-to-celebrate/We're celebrating the iPad's 5th Birthday. We've compiled five facts showing just how disruptive the iPad has been over the years.

]]>On Friday, we’re celebrating a big birthday. It’s made its mark as a true game changer, storming into the homes of President Obama, Kim Kardashian and everyone inbetween. Five years ago, Steve Jobs unveiled “the most advanced technology in a magical and revolutionary device” – the beloved iPad, which hit stores on April 3, 2010.

It goes without question that the iPad transformed the future of mobile, and to mark this celebration, we’ve compiled five facts showing just how disruptive the iPad has been over the years.

Over the past five years, more than 225 million iPads have been sold. That’s enough to equip every citizen in the UK, France, Peru and Thailand with a shiny new tablet!

It has improved education in the classroom. Twenty percent of students scored ‘proficient’ or ‘advanced’ using tablets over textbooks in an Algebra 1 course, according to Houghton Mifflin Harcourt

iPads have also helped the future leaders in medicine. UC Irvine Medical School reported that 23% of medical students who used iPads in learning performed higher on national exams than those without.

iPads have pushed pop culture to become more innovative. Modern Family recently shot its “Connection Lost” episode entirely on an iPad 2 and iPhone 6. The episode’s inspiration came from executive producer Steven Levitan to show how families communicate today.

From Gazelle’s iPad Lab

We pulled together some of our own data to show how iPads have been traded-in over the years.

Since starting iPad trade-ins in March 2011, Gazelle customers have sent in nearly 4.3 million iPads of all generations (see chart below).

To date, we’ve paid out nearly $20 million to our customers for their iPads.

According to Gazelle’s stats the iPad 2 16gb (Wifi) is the most popular traded-in iPad. (see pie chart below). The iPad 2 also happens to be the most commonly broken one.

In total, 9% of iPads traded into Gazelle are broken.

Gazelle customers are not just trading-in, they’re buying too. iPads represented 19% of all transactions for Gazelle Certified pre-owned since launching in October 2014.

]]>https://www.gazelle.com/thehorn/2015/04/01/happy-birthday-ipad-five-years-old-five-reasons-to-celebrate/feed/0The Best Screen Protectors for Your Smartphonehttps://www.gazelle.com/thehorn/2015/03/25/the-best-screen-protectors-for-your-smartphone/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=the-best-screen-protectors-for-your-smartphone
https://www.gazelle.com/thehorn/2015/03/25/the-best-screen-protectors-for-your-smartphone/#commentsWed, 25 Mar 2015 14:10:34 +0000https://www.gazelle.com/thehorn/2015/03/25/the-best-screen-protectors-for-your-smartphone/It can be confusing trying to determine which screen protectors for phones are best suited for your needs: Do you choose plastic or glass?

]]>It’s tough choosing the right kind of screen protector for your smartphone, especially when there are so many on the market. But when you look past the branding, you’re really only left with two choices when it comes to screen protectors for phones: glass or plastic.

It Doesn’t Get Simpler Than Plastic

There are two different types of plastic screen protectors: PET film and TPU. If you’ve ever seen a thin plastic film covering a phone, it was likely a PET film cover. These types of protectors generally cost less than their glass equivalents, ranging from a few dollars to upwards of $10. This screen protector is a good choice if you have a cheaper or older phone and want the most basic protection for the lowest possible cost. While it’ll keep your screen safe from being scratched and scraped by the keys in your pocket, it won’t protect from impact damage or more severe scrapes.

TPU, on the other hand, is a great option for people who would like affordable smudge- and scratch-resistance and light impact protection at a price point of around $20. The screen protector is made up of elastic material that not only absorbs some of the impact when it is dropped, but can actually “heal” minor dents because of its elastic nature; not only does it protect your screen from scrapes and cuts, it even protects itself.

This protector is a great option for people who are looking to spend a little more on screen protectors for phones and who would also like some impact-protection, as devices are notorious for slipping out of hands.

When It Comes to Protection, Glass Is King

“A glass protector is superior to its alternatives in every way,” says Phone Arena—and they’re absolutely right. If you want the highest quality protection in your corner, then look no further than multi-layered, shock-absorbing tempered glass.

The biggest con of tempered glass is that it is the most expensive option. The pros? It reduces fingerprints and provides better glare-reduction and scratch-resistance compared to plastics. In the event of a devastating drop, the tempered glass protector will shatter, leaving the actual screen of the phone intact.

This is an ideal option for phones that you want to keep in mint condition or are thinking about selling in the future. While tempered glass will give you the best protection for your phone, many used phone owners may find this option to be too expensive, especially since shopping used is typically cheaper than buying new.

What kind of screen protector would you choose for your mobile device? Share your thoughts with us.

]]>The newest iDevice, the Apple Watch, will be released April 24, Tech Radar reports. The new wearable offers the clock, phone and text messaging functionalities that everyone knew would be included, but it also comes with a few unexpected features. Here’s a quick rundown of the top five:

1. Ping Your iPhone

Apple’s Find My iPhone app can help you narrow down where in the world your device has wound up using its built-in GPS. Once you’re close enough, actually finding your phone becomes more a game of chance and less of an exact science. BGR reports that Apple’s new watch will incorporate a new feature to make that process easier: Ping My iPhone. Using the watch, users can make their lost phone beep, offering an auditory location clue.

2. Toss Out Your Keys

As noted by Tom’s Guide, one innovative feature of the new smartwatch is keyless access. By downloading Starwood Hotel’s Preferred Guest app, you can open your hotel room door with just a tap of the watch’s face. Apple CEO Tim Cook told The Telegraph that it may be possible for the watch to replace car keys and “the clumsy, large fobs that are now used by many vehicles.”

3. Fully Native Apps

It stands to reason that most Apple Watch apps will be extensions of native iPhone or iPad applications, but Cook announced that it will be possible for developers to create standalone apps for the watch “later in the year,” according to Tom’s Guide. These apps may allow the device to be used solo instead of only while synced with another device. This opens the opportunity for a truly “killer app” for the watch, one that sets it apart from Android devices using stripped-down versions of full apps.

4. Digital Touch

The new Apple Watch allows you to connect in a new and unique way: You can draw shapes on the watch face and send them to a friend, or use the heart rate sensor to detect your pulse and send it as a vibration pattern to a friend’s device. What’s more, you can use the Tap function to send vibrations of your choice to other watch users.

5. Deeper Customization

Apple has never been very open to customization, frowning upon jailbreaking devices and limiting the apps accepted into the App Store. But they’re taking a different direction with their new watch, offering two face sizes — 38 mm and 42 mm — along with three “styles,” each one of which falls at a different price point.

]]>Today, we’re announcing that Apple Watch gawkers will soon be able to trade-in and purchase certified pre-owned Apple Watches through Gazelle. Enthusiasts can sign up here to learn about these updates.

As Tim Cook wrapped up his September 2014 Apple event, he uttered the famous words, “One more thing.” That’s when we first officially learned about the Apple Watch. This is Cook’s first product launch since taking over as Apple’s CEO in August 2011, and it has received the same high level of buzz and interest that we’ve come to expect from Apple. Gazelle has kept our eyes on this gadget and we knew back in September that it would be a must-have device. It’s no surprise, the Apple Watch is a beautifully designed product, falling right in line with iPhones and iPads.

Apple’s history has shown there is an insatiable demand for its products, due to their unparalleled design and overall ease-of-use. The wild popularity of Apple products has helped Gazelle become the leading gadget trade-in site. So we looked back into our own data archives to explore how the first generation iPad maintained its value over time.

Gazelle’s history with first generation iPad 16GB WiFi:

Period

Value

Date

Percentage Value Retained

Entry Price

$499

3-Apr-10

–

Trade In Value After One Year

$218

3-Apr-11

44%

Trade In Value After Two Years

$151

3-Apr-12

30%

As the numbers suggest, the first generation iPad held its value remarkably well over the years, even after Apple announced subsequent versions. We expect a similarly strong market demand for second-hand Apple Watches. Bring on the trades and the sales.

]]>https://www.gazelle.com/thehorn/2015/03/19/apple-watch-enthusiasts-rejoice/feed/0Five New Gadgets in 2015 That Are Worth the Waithttps://www.gazelle.com/thehorn/2015/02/09/five-new-gadgets-in-2015-that-are-worth-the-wait/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=five-new-gadgets-in-2015-that-are-worth-the-wait
https://www.gazelle.com/thehorn/2015/02/09/five-new-gadgets-in-2015-that-are-worth-the-wait/#commentsMon, 09 Feb 2015 14:10:45 +0000https://www.gazelle.com/thehorn/2015/02/09/five-new-gadgets-in-2015-that-are-worth-the-wait/2015 is going to be a massive year for tech. For a handy guide of all the new gadgets in 2015, read on—the absolute best is assembled right here.

]]>2015 is going to be a massive year for new tech device releases, with some absolutely amazing gadgets set to launch over the next several months. For a handy guide of all the new gadgets in 2015, check out the top five to keep your eyes and ears on.

Apple Watch

Release Date: Spring 2015

Though the Apple Watch was originally slated for release late last year, battery issues kept this device from hitting store shelves on time, rumors claimed. However, TechRadar reports that this device is on track to make its spring 2015 release. The product will allow iPhone owners to access things like messages, social networks and more—directly from their wrist. The Apple Watch will come in a variety of models, and prices will start at $349 for the most basic model.

Samsung Galaxy S6

Release Date: Spring 2015

Samsung’s newest flagship phone will reportedly feature a bigger screen, better camera and all-new unibody casing when it’s released later this winter. TechRadar reports that Samsung will likely hold a launch event on March 1 in conjunction with the Mobile World Congress event in Barcelona.

iPad Pro

Release Date (Rumored): Late Spring/Early Summer 2015

Chatter regarding a super-sized 12.2-inch iPad Pro model has been circulating for quite a while, but Phone Arena suggests 2015 will be the year that this large tablet will finally make its debut. No word on cost or additional specs right now, but an announcement from Apple is expected in the coming months.

Oculus Rift Headset

Release Date: Late 2015

Although the Oculus Rift headset has been available for game developers to tinker with for some time, the Facebook-owned headset will receive a full launch in late 2015. What kind of apps this new device will include at launch—and whether its Facebook ties will have any effect on the final product—is purely speculation, but this new gadget is certainly something to be excited about later this year.

Project Morpheus Headset

Release Date: Late 2015

The Oculus Rift headset isn’t the only gaming headset scheduled to release in 2015. Sony’s Project Morpheus—designed to integrate with Sony’s own PlayStation 4—is also expected to launch in the second half of the year, and will go head-to-head for consumer attention during the holiday season.

Beyond these five products, 2015 will undoubtedly include some more amazing gadgets as well, including an iPhone 6 update, a new Microsoft Surface Pro and more. What new gadgets in 2015 are you looking forward to checking out?